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Fort Morgan Police Officer Roger Doll holds up one of the money pouches he gave out to Brown Bag Lunch attendees. He said that the wearable pouches can hold cash, credit cards, ID and other important documents to keep them safe while someone is out shopping.

Staying safe while driving in the winter is all about preparation, Fort Morgan Police Community Resource Officer Roger Doll told the crowd at the recent November Brown Bag Lunch at Fort Morgan Library and Museum.

"I guess this is a timely topic," he said. "We've already had our first snowstorm."

He said that lots of people get caught off guard by snowstorms, but that paying attention to the weather forecast before making a trip is important.

"The first thing you want to do is just be aware of the weather forecast," Doll advised.

He said that allows the driver to be sure to have enough supplies and have the vehicle fueled up appropriately.

Another important tip Doll offered was letting someone else know when and where the traveler was going.

The winter safety kit Community Resource Officer Roger Doll keeps in his car contains things like hand warmers, glow sticks, a flashlight, paper and pencil, an emergency blanket, tissues, a pocket multi-tool, duct tape, candles and a lighter. Doll shared his kit at the recent Brown Bag Lunch on winter and shopping safety.

"That way, if something should happen, people searching would have a starting point," he said.

But preparation is also needed regarding vehicles, Doll said.

He said drivers should make sure the car's battery is charged, that wiper blades are in good condition, that there is enough wiper fluid and that there is more than enough gas to get to the destination.

Doll also advised having an ice scraper in the car, as well as tire chains if needed. Jumper cables, a weatherproof flashlight, a tow chain or strap and a reflective vest are also good things to have.

Something else that people may not think about ahead of time but that can be very important is making sure cell phones are charged up before heading out.

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"I don't know how we lived without them," Doll said of mobile devices. "I remember having to walk to get to a phone after a breakdown."

Also important, Doll said, is being aware of what to do -- and not to do -- in the case of getting stranded in a snowstorm.

"If you get stranded in a storm, it's best to stay in your vehicle," he said.

This would provide shelter and warmth. Anyone who would go out into the storm would need to be concerned about wind chill.

"If it's 20 degrees out with wind speed of 5 miles per hour, it feels like minus 5 degrees," Doll said. "Wind chill is one of those things that is kind of deceiving."

But most of all, Doll said people shouldn't be afraid to call 911 for help if they are stranded in a storm.

"If you happen to get stranded and need help, you can call 911," he said. "The call will generally go to the dispatch of the area you are in.

This is another reason why having a charged cell phone batter can be so important, he said.

But if someone is stranded and in the car, not leaving the dome light on helps conserve battery power, which can be drained quickly.

Car kit

Doll also advised people to put together a small kit for their cars with emergency supplies in it.

He used an old empty coffee can to make his kit.

Inside, he put a variety of things that can help in an emergency, including hand warmers, a disposable rain poncho, a notepad and pencil, glow sticks, a flashlight, spare batteries, a silver emergency blanket, snack -- granola bars, nuts and hard candy, water, emergency candles, waterproof matches, a lighter, duct tape, a whistle, a trash bag, napkins and a multi-tool.

"Most of this stuff I had around the house already," Doll said.

He said that each kit can be personalized, with different items added or subtracted according to specific needs or concerns.

"Change the kit for what you think your needs may be," Doll advised.

He said that in a snowstorm, the coffee can could be used as a shovel if necessary.

"The idea is making it compact enough that it's not in the way to keep in your car," Doll said.

Prevent trouble

Doll also spoke about what police are looking for after a storm.

The first thing on his list are what are known as "puffers."

These are drivers who turn their car on to warm up, but then go back inside, leaving the car running while unoccupied.

"That is technically illegal," Doll said, adding that it can lead to a police courtesy contact or even a ticket. "I know it's kind of a pain, but you're not supposed to do that."

He said it can also lead to vehicle theft.

Another problem police see after storms is people not properly clearing off windows, headlights and taillights.

"These are unsafe things," Doll said. "The law clearly states you have to have the windshield cleared of obstructions."

For the lights, people can use hand signals, but then windows are open letting in the cold.

"It's usually easier just to clear off the snow and ice from the light covers," Doll said.

License plates also must be cleared of snow and ice, he said.

One of the most dangerous things that police are looking for is drivers going too fast for icy, snowy or windy conditions, Doll said.

"You have to slow down for conditions," he said. "You have to use due care and caution."

Also important is staying far enough back from the care in front of you, he said.

He pointed out that the usual three-second distance rule of safe following is for regular conditions.

"But obviously, when we're talking about bad weather, you have to increase that time and see what that distance is that you need to be at to have enough reaction time to stop," Doll said.

He also said that intersections can be dangerous after snow storms.

"People are constantly stopping and starting, so they get so slick," Doll said, cautioning drivers to expect iciness at intersections.

Also on the must list for safe driving in the winter: seat belts.

While this may seem obvious, wearing a seat belt can make a big difference on icy roads in leading to a good outcome in case of an accident, Doll said.

Not using cruise control when roads are slick is another of Doll's tips.

"If your cruise control is on and you hit a slick patch, the tires can continue to spin because it's set that way," he warned. "I did it once and it caught me off guard."

Shopping safety

Doll also shared tips for staying safe while out doing holiday shopping.

His top tip: "Always lock your vehicle doors."

This also may seem like a no-brainer, but people sometimes forget or think their things aren't worth stealing and don't lock the car doors, he said.

"The bad guys, a lot of times, will go along and check doors until they find one that's open," Doll warned.

He also encouraged shoppers to use the buddy system.

Making sure to park in well-lit areas and paying attention to surroundings are also important, Doll said.

"Only carry what you need for cash, credit cards," he advised. "If your purse or wallet gets stolen, all of those are gone. Cash would really be gone. Credit cards have a bit of insurance, but it's best to carry as few personal items as possible."

He recommended carrying personal documents in an inside pocket or special pouch close to the body, instead of in a pocket, purse or bag.

"Holidays are a higher time for theft," he warned.

He also advised making multiple trips to the car to drop off packages, instead of loading up with lots of packages for one big trip, and be sure to have keys out and ready before getting to the car.

"Put the packages out of sight in your car, regardless of what it is," he advised.

And if you see someone following you or acting suspicious, go back into the store or somewhere that there are lots of people, Doll advised.

"There's safety in numbers," he said. "Go where there are other people."

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